Obrigado, Portugal

We spent our last full day in Portugal driving to Sagres, west of Lagos.  This is the most westerly point in continental Europe.  There is a fortress there which, for only 3 Euros, you can visit.  This gave us some of the only views we have seen of the coastline here.  I have been surprised that even the "national" road is inland from the coast, at least the parts we have driven.  So, any chance to see the sea and the famous cliffs has been limited.  That being said, perhaps east of here, the road is more scenic.  Needless to say the Auto-Estrada, like any major freeway, doesn't provide the most scenic route.  As an aside, we had hoped to see some of the famous cliffs and rock formations here by boat but, for the entire time we have been here, the boats haven't been running.  Apparently, visiting the grottoes and shoreline in even moderate seas is too dangerous.  Thought the Portuguese were famous sailors - and they should see the seas the little boats from Doolin go on to get to the Aran Islands!  Regardless, it wasn't meant to be.

From the Internet, this is the information about the fortress:

The Fortaleza Sagres is located at the southern tip of the Sagres Peninsular and this uniquely designed fort protected the town from raiders from North African. It was from here that Henry the Navigator devised his 15th century expeditions to the uncharted seas around the western side of Africa, which heralded in the golden era of Portugal exploration.  Its location has made it of strategic importance and this was truly identified during the 15th century with increased of trade (and naval movements) from the Mediterranean, Africa and the northern Europe. An early-buttressed fortress was constructed on the orders of the wealthy and well connected Infante D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator) to guard the town and harbour of Sagres.  It was here that Henry spent much of his time planning voyages and methods to improve seafaring, these endeavors would map the western edge of Africa and lead to the golden age of Portugal. Henry’s private residence was on the Cabo de Vincent at the location of the present day lighthouse but he died within Sagres fort in 1460.  Sagres fort was the centerpiece in an attack by the English naval captain, Francis Drake, in 1587 when Portugal was under Spanish rule. The 16th century also saw major upgrades to the fortifications including larger barracks, wind break walls and cistern tower. The devastating 1755 earthquake destroyed most of the fort, the actual quake only did slight damage but the resulting tsunami flooded (and washed away) the entire fort by rising higher than the 60m cliffs. The fort was repaired but never again achieved it’s importance.

After we left the fortress, we drove through Sagres but it is a very small village and not much there.  However, we did get another view of the coastline.  Very pretty.

Following that we drove back to Lagos and then further east to Portimao with the thought, again, that we would see more of the coastline.  It wasn't to  be and Portimao was quite big.  So, we basically gave up and headed back to Lagos and our hotel. 

For our final evening in Lagos, we used Uber again (I sure like that app!) and went to a restaurant down in the marina area that had been recommended to us.  Tasca do Kiko was quite good featuring Portuguese and Middle Eastern dishes.  We sat beside a newlywed couple from Quebec so it was fun to talk to them.

The following morning, we checked out of Valmar Villas and drove to Faro airport to drop off our car.  Next up:  Seville. 

Our rooms were on the second floor with views of the pool and sea

 

The Breakfast Room